Signage for the Nortlite Nursing Center in Marquette is shown. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — The Norlite Nursing Center has confirmed two new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the facility, bringing the total number of the residents from the facility who tested positive for the virus to five. The active cases are in addition to a Norlite resident who is known to have died from the virus on Friday, officials say.

“In all, there are five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the facility that we are currently treating down (in) our isolation wing and staff are taking every precaution throughout the facility,” a Monday Facebook post states. “Residents and staff are not co-mingling between the wings, and the large fire doors are shut to prevent unwanted traffic.”

Norlite Administrator Wayne Johnson said on Tuesday morning that he could not confirm any staff cases as it would be a violation of those individuals’ rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

“I will not comment on the HIPAA-protected information of staff members without their consent, which I was not given,” Johnson said in a text message.

An employee who underwent testing after she was found to have a fever during a routine screening prior to her shift at the facility March 26 was the initial COVID-19 case at Norlite. A second employee reported to The Mining Journal on Monday that she had also tested positive. She underwent a test on March 29 after suffering what she described as “flu-like symptoms,” she is currently in quarantine at her home, she said.

The facility is also putting out a call for additional caregivers as it works to contain the spread of the virus.

“Our staff has been incredible. They — like everyone across the country — have a great fear of the unknown. Yet they have showed up, faced the challenge, and have entered each day with optimism to help our residents through the most challenging time of our lives,” the post states. “Staff who have symptoms, (fever, cough, sore throat), have been asked to stay away and quarantine.”

The facility is running an eight-hour Assistant CNA course Wednesday and Thursday for anyone who is interested, the post states. Applications are accessible online on the Norlite Nursing Center Facebook page under “Jobs.”

Lisa Bowers can be reached at lbowers@miningjournal.net.